Novel High Temperature Magnetic Bearings for Space Vehicle Systems, Phase I

Previous high temperature magnetic bearings employed only electromagnets. The work proposed in this SBIR program seeks to utilize High Temperature Permanent Magnets (HTPM) developed by EEC. The use of HTPMs will improve efficiency since the majority of the static load on any bearing can be reacted by the flux of the permanent magnets. The end product will be a high speed / high temperature / high load test platform for future development of high bearing, motor, generator and seal components. This capability will be of special benefit to the aerospace and process machinery industries. In addition the component demonstrations from this SBIR will provide designers with the confidence needed to integrate similar components in their high performance machinery.